(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
December 17, 2015 - 2:30 PM
KELOWNA – A couple who just moved to Kelowna is using their talent for Christmas decorating to help a local charity that is well short of its goal for the season.
Ken and Julia Berry live at 875 Theodora Rd. in Rutland. Although new to the Okanagan they are already planning to make a big difference for the less fortunate.
Over the past 14 years, the Berry’s Christmas display in Williams Lake raised more than $23,000 for two charities. Although the lot they own in Kelowna is not as large, the display is nonetheless impressive.
“I've been able to get a kettle from the Salvation Army to put out for those who care to donate while looking at the lights,” Berry says. “As with everything, ideas start small in the first year and hopefully, grow from there.”
The Salvation Army has only raised about half what they need so far over the Christmas season. The money sustains its through 2016. They are roughly $325,000 short of their $700,000 goal.
The Central Okanagan chapter of the Salvation Army will be giving toys to almost 1,000 children and 553 families will receive food support.
(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
“We cannot do what we do without the community’s financial support,” Salvation Army executive director Darryl Burry says.
There is only a week left in their annual Christmas Kettle Drive, making the Berry’s contribution more important than ever.
The Berry’s home features red and green lights, a homemade Santa on the roof with a red train lantern, handmade wooden log reindeer joined together with white mini-light reins, lighted presents and stuffy penguins.
Their lights will be on from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day until Christmas.
To make a donation visit the Kelowna Salvation Army website.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015